Transition Resources
Transition is the process that facilitates the move throughout school to postsecondary adult living. Planning the transition from school to adult life begins, at the latest, in high school for students with disabilities. Transition planning is required by law to begin once a student reaches the age of 14 (or younger when appropriate). This transition planning becomes formalized in school as part of the student’s Transition/Individualized Education Program (T/IEP). The student’s needs, interests and preferences must be considered in the planning and students are therefore strongly encouraged to take part in the T/IEP meetings.
The student and their family are expected to take an active role in preparing the student to take responsibility for life once school is finished. After students leave school, they will need to organize their own life and navigate their way through a maze of adult service providers. This can be a daunting task, one for which the student and family need to be prepared.
The full collaboration of the student, family, educators and community service providers is needed for successful transition. The planning process helps to ensure that the students participate in making decisions related to areas of education, medical, employment, social, and daily living needs.
Job Placement / Transition Specialists develop job placement sites, place participants in
job sites, and monitor progress of students in the Job Preparation Program. They also teach
ESE employability skills, assist with supervision of job coaches, and monitor transition plans. Each school has an assigned JPTS to assist with post secondary services and options. Please contact your child’s school for more information
Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities: A Guide for Families, is highly recommended for all students and families to download and review to understand the transition process.
The Partners in Transition (PIT) newsletter provides up-to-date information about events, activities and news related to the transition process. Download a copy of the latest PIT newsletter.
Agencies
There are several state and area agencies that provide services to disabled individuals assisting with job training, post-secondary options, and other critical needs. Please visit the Transition Agencies web page for more information.
Brochures
ESE Graduation Information Brochure
ESE Graduation Information Brochure-Spanish
FLDOE Getting to Know the Right Fit
Links
Family Support Center on Disabilities: Knowledge & Involvement Network
National Center on Secondary Education and Training
National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
Postsecondary Education and Training Schools
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance Office
Graduation and College Entrance Requirements in 50 States and DC - Interactive Map
Pasco Schools: Marchman and Moore-Mickens Vocational Centers
Pasco Hernando Community College
Think College
College options for students with Intellectual Disabilities
Transition To College
College options for students with Intellectual Disabilities
Scholarship Information
Financial Aid Information Page
Free service of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
College View
Comparative college information
College Net Mach 25
Database contains listings of 500,000 private sector awards
Scholarships.com Database
Database for scholarship search and information
Proyecto Vision Scholarship Listing
Lists scholarships available specifically for students with disabilities, including nearly 50 that have their application deadlines in March, April, and May
Additional Resources
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A Message from our Director
Dear Parents of Exceptional Students:
Welcome to the Exceptional Student Education webpage. The purpose of this site is to provide information for parents, school staff, and caregivers of students with disabilities and students who are gifted. Both groups of students are served in collaboration with the Exceptional Student Education Department.
Parent involvement is very important for student success. By definition students who are exceptional may learn differently from typical children, at home and at school. As a parent, you are your child's first teacher and have probably already discovered your child's strengths and found ways to support areas that he or she may find challenging.
Your knowledge about your child is very helpful to the school team when collaborating to develop your child's education plan. If you have not met your child's teachers, please plan on contacting them to discuss your child's progress and ways that you can work together for his or her success. I would also encourage you to join our ESE Advisory Committee (information below) or your child's school's advisory council. This is a wonderful way to learn more about our programs and to provide valuable input.
Please feel free to contact the ESE Department at (727) 774-2600 if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions.
Sincerely,
Melissa Musselwhite
